The World

Saudi Arabia and Bahrain announced restoration of diplomatic relations with Egypt, raising to seven the number of Arab countries that have done so since the Arab League summit last week. The countries said that renewed ties with Cairo are designed to advance unity in the face of threats to Arab nations, an apparent reference to non-Arab Iran and its war with Iraq. The Arab change of attitude toward Egypt marks the first time since Cairo made peace with Israel in 1979 that the majority of Arab countries are officially on speaking terms with Egypt.